Sideshows Draw Plenty Of Attention Seahawks’ Camp Provides For All Fans

Never mind that the main event was 1 football fields and more than 200 yards of chain-linked fence away.

Lori Stewart, modest football fan at best, was one of hundreds enjoying the Seattle Seahawks training camp experience this week at Cheney.

For Stewart, it didn’t matter that her view was about as desirable as the 300 level at the Kingdome. A lawn chair, a cooler, two sons, one daughter, two nephews, one niece and a kid sister close by proved to be more than enough.

“I suppose I could walk over there,” Stewart said, pointing toward the far-off practice field.

A nice thought, but one that never got off the ground, for Stewart was getting around on crutches because of a knee operation.

“But this is good enough for me,” she added.

Certainly, there was no need for an up-close study of a nickel defense or a 4-3 formation.

Was that a run-and-shoot offense? Details, details. Forget about them. This is training camp ‘97 style, where young boys and girls are encouraged to pass and kick at the NFL Experience area and mothers are encouraged to enjoy the experience, any experience.

Kids bring a coupon, kids get a T-shirt, compliments of Fox TV. Get the picture? Not only does dad enjoy Camp Cheneyland, but it’s also a great place for moms and kids.

And for the lucky ones - and there have been plenty so far- a Warren Moon autograph, among others, comes with the package deal.

And it’s all free.

“It’s nice to come out and see the people who care about the team,” said Seahawks coach Dennis Erickson, who made the big push to return training camp to Eastern Washington after a 12-year absence. “The players have been good to the fans. They’ve been good about signing.

“I think they (players) like it here. That’s the impression I’ve gotten.”

The fans like it too, as evident in the nearly 2,000 who have shown up daily. At the Kirkland, Wash., training site used by the team since 1986, practices were closed because of a city ordinance.

For Dahlores and Roger Bass of Spokane, the Seahawks’ return to Cheney has allowed them to show their true blue and green colors.

At Thursday’s practice, Dahlores showed her devotion to Joey Galloway by wearing a No. 84 replica jersey. Roger had the No. 96, Cortez Kennedy-look going.

Devoted. Indeed. But Dahlores admitted there was one hook that landed them in Cheney.

“We came out for tickets” Dahlores said.

The Basses wanted single-game tickets but found out only season-ticket plans were being sold at the camp’s ticket booth. Nonetheless, it didn’t dampen their enthusiasm.

“It’s fun to see these guys informally. It’s great,” Dahlores said.

Linda McCrillis, a Thousand Oaks, Calif., transplant whose family moved to Deer Park six months ago, admittedly didn’t share quite the same spirit.

“We watched some defensive stuff,” said Linda, who was at camp with neighbors, her husband, Shannon, and sons Kelly, 10, and Cody, 6. “Now we’re going to head over where the kids can kick and throw.”

Meanwhile, Shannon, whose prior NFL camp viewing experience was at the Dallas Cowboys’ training camp, was going to join the family in the activities. However, he was destined to return to watching the Seahawks.

“For other stuff,” he said, “you can hang out at the mall.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo